The search for Diego Dorantes Sanchez, the 23-year-old University of Oklahoma student who went missing while swimming off the coast of Taiwan, has been called off by officials. His family, however, is not giving up hope and has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts. Sanchez, who was studying abroad in Hong Kong for the summer, was last seen last Friday while vacationing and snorkeling near Green Island.
Despite the official search being concluded, the efforts to find Sanchez continue. A KFOR report details the family's commitment to maintaining hope and the extensive search efforts that have taken place so far. Sanchez has been described in a statement obtained by KOCO as a beloved figure in various communities, both in the U.S. and internationally. "He’s a musician. He dances. He plays soccer, all sorts of sports, like rock climbing. Very adventurous. He’s very curious, very kind and loving, and every community that he has ever been in has been touched by him," friend Natalia Fabry said.
Sanchez's disappearance has quickly become an international concern, with videos circulating on social media to aid in the search. According to a KOCO interview, friends recounted the events leading to his disappearance. "They went in at around 12 p.m., and shortly after, his two friends lost sight of him," said Fabry.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support the efforts. As reported by KTUL, the fundraiser is meant to supplement financial resources for the ongoing search and any costs that the family is incurring throughout this distressful time. The local police in Taiwan, the Embassy, and the University have all been made aware of the situation and are involved in various capacities to try to locate Sanchez.
